Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern he applied 50% flap deployment, then when established on final approach he applied 100% flap deployment. He crossed the runway threshold about 78 knots and began the landing flare. He stated he was expecting the airplane to float but the airplane dropped 3 to 4 ft and bounced. He said after the bounce the airplane ballooned up about 8 to 10 ft and he elected to execute a go-around. He retracted the flaps to 50% and applied full power. The airplane drifted to the left and he attempted correct with right rudder until the airplane struck the ground. In his written report, the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that led to the accident.